Best Short Games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated short games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free short games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
My Brother Rabbit
My Brother Rabbit is a beautifully drawn exploration adventure and puzzle game set in a surreal world that mixes reality with a child’s imagination.
The Gardens Between
The Gardens Between is a surreal puzzle adventure that follows best friends, Arina and Frendt, as they fall into a mysterious world of beautiful garden islands. Manipulate time to solve puzzles and discover the secrets of each island.
Zup! Zero 2
Minimal physical puzzle with explosions
one night, hot springs
Haru is invited by her old friend Manami to spend a night at the hot springs. All Haru wants to do is enjoy the hot springs like everyone else, but she doesn't want to cause any trouble...
Lake of Voices
A free horror Visual Novel about an ill-fated journey across Sinnlos, a lake where gruesome monsters lurk just beneath the surface. With times being so dire you'll need to decide what, and who, is going to be sacrificed. Anyone can be saved, but not everyone can be.
Donut County
Donut County is a story-based physics puzzle game where you play as an ever-growing hole in the ground. Meet cute characters, steal their trash, and throw them in a hole.
FROSTBITE: Deadly Climate
Survive the arctic research base simply known as Base 75, or die from the freezing cold or by the horrors that lurk within the halls?
Adolescent Santa Claus
This visual novel game tells the tale of a cute little Santa Clause appearing
Up Left Out
A puzzle game about unlocking stuff.
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit
Have you ever dreamt of being a superhero? Meet Chris, a creative and imaginative 9 year old boy who escapes reality with fantastical adventures as his alter ego, the Awesome Captain Spirit! Captain Spirit is a free demo set in the Life is Strange universe. Contains links to Life is Strange 2
FAR: Lone Sails
Traverse a dried-out seabed littered with the remains of a decaying civilization. Keep your unique vessel going, overcome numerous obstacles and withstand the hazardous weather conditions. How far can you make it? What will you find?
Frightened Beetles
Something terrible happened in the forest! Someone frightened all Bugs! What happened? You are the only one who can find it out!
Rogue Agent
Rogue Agent is a turn-based strategy game, fast-paced, that pits the player against the computer on a secret service thriller around the world.
Doodle Date
Romance, seduce, and even marry your own drawings! Forget about finding true love; In Doodle Date, you create it!
Marie's Room
Marie's Room is a short story exploration game about an unconventional friendship between two classmates. You play as Kelsey, remembering Marie's room as it was twenty years ago. But something’s off. What happened to Marie?
Zen Chess: Mate in One
Zen Chess: Mate in One is a minimalist chess puzzle game. Solve mate-in-one problems in a beautifully designed chess board.
Most played short games on Steam
Take a look at the top short games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 17th 2025.
1. METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES
World-renowned Kojima Productions brings the Metal Gear Solid franchise to Steam with METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES. Play as the legendary hero Snake and infiltrate a Cuban military base to rescue the hostages. Can you make it out alive? METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES is a stealth, action and tactical game developed and published by KONAMI. Released on December 18th 2014 has received 16,956 reviews of which 14,283 were positive and 2,673 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played short game, thanks to its 175 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
14,283
2,673
175
players
2. Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping
You are the one and only Duck Detective, a depressed and recently divorced duck who must quack the case. Inspect evidence, make de-duck-tions, and solve this no-murder mystery! Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping is a casual, adventure and detective game developed and published by Happy Broccoli Games. Released on May 22nd 2025 has received 909 reviews of which 902 were positive and 7 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played short games.
9.3
902
7
29
players
3. Duck Detective: The Secret Salami
Solving crime is no walk in the pond. You are a down-on-his-luck detective who also happens to be a duck. Use your powers of de-duck-tion to inspect evidence, fill in the blanks, and bust the case wide open! This is a short but twisty detective case. Duck Detective: The Secret Salami is a detective, investigation and casual game developed and published by Happy Broccoli Games. Released on May 23rd 2024 has received 5,090 reviews of which 4,870 were positive and 220 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played short games.
9.2
4,870
220
27
players
4. Pineapple on pizza
Can a video game convey a flavor? Pineapple on pizza is a free to play, short and dark comedy game developed and published by Majorariatto. Released on March 28th 2023 has received 24,332 reviews of which 23,806 were positive and 526 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played short games.
9.6
23,806
526
9
players
5. Spilled!
Clean up ocean waste in this short & relaxing game! Recycle, earn coins and upgrade your boat. Explore new areas. Clean bigger spills and different kinds of waste! Spilled! is a short, relaxing and casual game developed and published by Lente. Released on March 26th 2025 has received 2,592 reviews of which 2,470 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played short games.
9.1
2,470
122
8
players
6. Frog Detective 3: Corruption at Cowboy County
You're a detective, and a frog, and it's time to solve a mystery in the wild west. Frog Detective 3: Corruption at Cowboy County is a comedy, funny and short game developed by Grace Bruxner and Thomas Bowker and published by worm club and SUPERHOT PRESENTS. Released on October 26th 2022 has received 1,824 reviews of which 1,801 were positive and 23 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played short games.
9.4
1,801
23
7
players
7. Frog Detective 1: The Haunted Island
You're a detective, and a frog, and it's time to solve a mystery. Frog Detective 1: The Haunted Island is a comedy, short and casual game developed by Grace Bruxner and Thomas Bowker and published by worm club and SUPERHOT PRESENTS. Released on November 22nd 2018 has received 5,048 reviews of which 4,667 were positive and 381 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played short games.
8.9
4,667
381
7
players
8. Assemble with Care
Repair old-school objects in this cozy puzzle game. Join antique-restorer Maria, as she arrives in the sun-soaked town of Bellariva and set out on a journey of helping the townsfolk reconnect. Assemble with Care is a casual, indie and puzzle game developed and published by ustwo games. Released on March 26th 2020 has received 8,690 reviews of which 7,890 were positive and 800 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played short games.
8.8
7,890
800
7
players
9. Looking Up I See Only A Ceiling
A short psychological adventure about a stressed girl who wants to explore her ceiling. Looking Up I See Only A Ceiling is a adventure, psychological and short game developed by silver978 and published by IndieArk. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 2,259 reviews of which 1,998 were positive and 261 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played short games.
8.5
1,998
261
5
players
10. Gone Home
June 7th, 1995. 1:15 AM. You arrive home after a year abroad. You expect your family to greet you, but the house is empty. Something's not right. Where is everyone? And what's happened here? Unravel the mystery for yourself in Gone Home, a story exploration game from The Fullbright Company. Gone Home is a walking simulator, short and indie game developed and published by Fullbright. Released on August 15th 2013 has received 17,889 reviews of which 13,786 were positive and 4,103 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played short games.
7.6
13,786
4,103
5
players
Best deals on short games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of short games available on Steam right now, updated on June 17th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted short games.
1. qomp
You are the Ball. Escape. qomp is a short, precision platformer and pixel graphics game developed by Stuffed Wombat, Britt Brady, Miroko and Clovelt and published by Atari. Released on February 04th 2021 has received 483 reviews of which 468 were positive and 15 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for short category.
9.0
468
15
-96%
5.69€
0.26€
2. A Mortician's Tale
A Mortician's Tale is a short, story-driven game about a mortician tasked with running a funeral home. A Mortician's Tale is a casual, indie and female protagonist game developed and published by Laundry Bear Games. Released on October 18th 2017 has received 1,353 reviews of which 969 were positive and 384 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in short games.
6.9
969
384
-95%
8.19€
0.44€
3. Gomo
How far would you go to save your best friend?For Gomo, the answer to this question is clear: To the end of the world and further, if necessary.Join him on his journey through the bizarre 2D landscapes of this dreamlike Point & Click Adventure! Gomo is a adventure, indie and point & click game developed by Fishcow Studio and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on December 06th 2013 has received 1,795 reviews of which 1,383 were positive and 412 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in short games.
7.4
1,383
412
-93%
4.99€
0.39€
4. Hamlet or the Last Game without MMORPG Features, Shaders and Product Placement
The original puzzle adventure game based on twisted William Shakespeare's Hamlet. Hamlet or the Last Game without MMORPG Features, Shaders and Product Placement is a adventure, indie and point & click game developed and published by Denis Galanin (mif2000). Released on October 22nd 2012 has received 544 reviews of which 345 were positive and 199 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for short games.
6.1
345
199
-93%
4.99€
0.35€
5. Frog Detective 2: The Case of the Invisible Wizard
You're a detective, and a frog, and it's time to solve a mystery. Also there's a wizard. Frog Detective 2: The Case of the Invisible Wizard is a comedy, casual and short game developed by Grace Bruxner and Thomas Bowker and published by worm club and SUPERHOT PRESENTS. Released on December 09th 2019 has received 1,980 reviews of which 1,890 were positive and 90 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for short games.
9.1
1,890
90
-92%
4.99€
0.40€
6. Dear RED - Extended
Dear Red is a game based on two choices: Truth or Lie. Each of your choices will lead to a different result. Dear RED - Extended is a indie, rpg and rpgmaker game developed by Lee Sang and published by Sometimes You. Released on April 12th 2016 has received 392 reviews of which 259 were positive and 133 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for short games.
6.3
259
133
-92%
2.99€
0.24€
7. Assemble with Care
Repair old-school objects in this cozy puzzle game. Join antique-restorer Maria, as she arrives in the sun-soaked town of Bellariva and set out on a journey of helping the townsfolk reconnect. Assemble with Care is a casual, indie and puzzle game developed and published by ustwo games. Released on March 26th 2020 has received 8,690 reviews of which 7,890 were positive and 800 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for short games.
8.8
7,890
800
-91%
6.59€
0.61€
8. KIDS
A game of crowds. KIDS is a indie, casual and adventure game developed by Mario von Rickenbach and Michael Frei and published by Playables. Released on May 28th 2019 has received 1,934 reviews of which 1,604 were positive and 330 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for short games.
8.0
1,604
330
-90%
3.99€
0.42€
9. Thirty Flights of Loving
Explore the world of Thirty Flights of Loving through a first-person short story. Take a deep dive with high-flying schemers, lovelorn criminals, and more stray kittens than you can shake a stick at. Thirty Flights of Loving is a first-person, experimental and walking simulator game developed and published by Blendo Games. Released on August 20th 2012 has received 1,826 reviews of which 1,152 were positive and 674 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for short games.
6.2
1,152
674
-90%
4.99€
0.50€
10. A Bird Story
An experimental short from the creator of To the Moon & Finding Paradise: A simple & surreal 1-hour interactive animation about a boy and an injured bird, told without dialogues.If you're looking for To the Moon-like experience, I'd suggest playing Finding Paradise first. A Bird Story is a indie, story rich and great soundtrack game developed and published by Freebird Games. Released on November 07th 2014 has received 10,276 reviews of which 8,718 were positive and 1,558 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for short games.
8.3
8,718
1,558
-87%
3.99€
0.54€
Free short games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play short games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 17th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play short games.
1. Pineapple on pizza
Can a video game convey a flavor? Pineapple on pizza is a free to play, short and dark comedy game developed and published by Majorariatto. Released on March 28th 2023 has received 24,332 reviews of which 23,806 were positive and 526 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
9.6
23,806
526
9
players
2. How Fish Is Made
Are sardines trustworthy? Are you? Do you want to be? How Fish is Made is a janky little jaunt through the world of surrealist storytelling. Now featuring a Katamari-like DLC! How Fish Is Made is a surreal, short and horror game developed by Wrong Organ, Johanna Kasurinen, Jeffrey Tomec and Martin Halldin and published by Wrong Organ and CRITICAL REFLEX. Released on January 14th 2022 has received 4,784 reviews of which 4,566 were positive and 218 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
9.2
4,566
218
4
players
3. Carpe Diem
Seize the day Carpe Diem is a free to play, anime and visual novel game developed and published by Moonlit Works. Released on November 30th 2015 has received 8,542 reviews of which 7,614 were positive and 928 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.7
7,614
928
2
players
4. The Plan
A fly ascends to the skies, pondering the pointlessness of its brief existence. The Plan is a free to play, indie and atmospheric game developed and published by Krillbite Studio. Released on February 14th 2014 has received 23,087 reviews of which 21,304 were positive and 1,783 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
9.0
21,304
1,783
1
players
5. Little Man Has a Day
A personal, short and silly handwritten game about a little man feeling a little 'eh'. Little Man Has a Day is a short, relaxing and hand-drawn game developed and published by Mosman. Released on August 16th 2023 has received 342 reviews of which 332 were positive and 10 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.9
332
10
1
players
6. The one who pulls out the sword will be crowned king
Are you The Rightful King™ or just a filthy peasant? The sword is waiting for you to lift it, but it gets longer and heavier each time some else succeeds... The one who pulls out the sword will be crowned king is a free to play, indie and short game developed and published by Majorariatto. Released on March 28th 2022 has received 8,614 reviews of which 7,817 were positive and 797 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.8
7,817
797
1
players
7. how do you Do It?
"how do you Do It?" puts players in the role of an 11-year-old girl whose mother has just stepped out for an errand. The girl immediately grabs her dolls and furtively attempts to figure out how sex works using these plastic surrogates. how do you Do It? is a free to play and indie game developed by Nina Freeman, Emmett Butler, Decky Coss and Joni Kittaka and published by None. Released on February 27th 2015 has received 2,551 reviews of which 2,158 were positive and 393 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.1
2,158
393
1
players
8. TREE
TREE tells a story of a relationship between a boy and his tree. What starts off as a simple connection, over time it grows into something deeper. TREE is a free to play, indie and casual game developed and published by The Strangers. Released on August 13th 2018 has received 2,233 reviews of which 2,092 were positive and 141 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.9
2,092
141
9. The Cat and the Coup
In The Cat and the Coup, you play the cat of Dr. Mohammed Mossadegh, the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Iran. During the summer of 1953, the CIA engineered a coup to bring about his downfall. The Cat and the Coup is a free to play, indie and cats game developed by Peter Brinson and Kurosh ValaNejad and published by Peter Brinson and Kurosh ValaNejad and USC Games. Released on June 15th 2011 has received 1,068 reviews of which 1,000 were positive and 68 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.8
1,000
68
10. Locke(d)
An algorithm decided to show you this. What now? Locke(d) is a philosophical, conversation and short game developed and published by KigyoDev. Released on January 23rd 2023 has received 1,045 reviews of which 979 were positive and 66 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.8
979
66